Latin canalis caroticus TA A02.1.06.013 | Dorlands/Elsevier c_04/12208545 FMA 55805 | |
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The carotid canal is the passageway in the temporal bone through which the internal carotid artery enters the middle cranial fossa from the neck. The canal starts on the inferior surface of the temporal bone at the external opening of the carotid canal (also referred to as the carotid foramen). The canal ascends at first superiorly, and then, making a bend, runs anteromedially. The canal's internal opening is near the foramen lacerum above which the internal carotid artery passes on its way anteriorly to the cavernous sinus.
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It transmits into the cranium, the internal carotid artery, and the carotid plexus of nerves.
Sympathetics to the head from the superior cervical ganglion also pass through the carotid canal. They have several motor functions: raise the eyelid (superior tarsal muscle), dilate pupil, innervate sweat glands of face and scalp and constricts blood vessels in the head.